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A worn, outdated front entrance can make your home appear old and neglected. By remodeling the exterior front entrance, you'll also be improving your home's curb appeal. Take a good look at the area and jot down some items you'd like to refresh. Set a budget for your remodel and stick to it. Inexpensive, small changes, such as repainting your front door, can pack a big punch without breaking the bank.

Maintenance

Give your front doorway a thorough cleaning before embarking on remodeling projects. Sweep up dead leaves and other loose debris from the area. Use a power washer to remove built-up dirt and grime from the exterior walls, floor and front door spaces. Repair sagging porch rails and restore crumbling concrete steps. Make a dramatic impact by applying a fresh coat of paint to your front door in a color that provides a stark contrast to your house color. Embellish your front door with a metal door knocker, new hardware and a kick plate.

Structural

Structural changes or additions to your front entrance typically come with a high price tag but can increase your home's value. Adding a portico with attractive columns to a bare entrance provides architectural interest, as well as relief from inclement weather when entering your home. Install a decorative front door flanked by glass panels and an overhead transom to create an instant focal point and lighten up your home's interior. Spruce up the front landing and concrete steps with natural flagstone or earthy bricks.

Plants

Flowering plants can add bright pops of color and energy to your front entrance. Place oversize pots of greenery and colorful flowers beside your front door and on the steps leading up to the door. Terra-cotta, cement, ceramic, metal and wooden planters provide a large selection for you to add a personal touch to the area. Hanging baskets can provide visual interest and bursts of color to small entrances. Large potted trees add natural greenery to more spacious areas.

Accessories

When you're in the process of remodeling, don't forget the smaller items that can make a big impact. Hang a decorative chandelier or pendant light in front of a large entrance with a high ceiling. Switch out an old light fixture beside the front door. Add bold house numbers, a decorative welcome mat and a new mailbox to add pizzazz to the area with little cost. Place an inviting wooden or metal bench beside your front entrance to welcome guests.

About the Author

Mary Cockrill's education and certifications in interior design and home staging have allowed her to author numerous home-related articles. Cockrill has been a top design consultant for a renowned home store and is the owner of Starwood Home & Gifts, LLC, an interior design, decorating and home staging business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a comprehensive major in office administration.